PhD studentship available from Sep 2013

Applications are welcomed for a new PhD position available in our group from September 2013 on the rational design of functional nanomaterials. Closing date for receipt of applications is July 31st.

A great challenge in solid-state synthesis is the rational design of compounds and we are particularly interested in the construction of nanoscale materials in such an ordered fashion. These materials garner huge technological and scientific interest due to the unique properties such small particles display due to size and boundary effects. Control over the design of such materials is precluded by the high thermal barriers to diffusion, traditionally required for these reactions to proceed. This research project will concentrate on generating a new class of alkoxide starting materials for Li-ion battery components, which will be employed in low temperature syntheses. Lower temperatures during synthesis will afford greater kinetic control over composition and particle shape and is at the heart of this proposed research. The low temperature routes we will employ include (i) sol-gel synthesis, (ii) solvothermal synthesis and (iii) microwave synthesis, all of which are available in our lab. The structural and physical properties of our products will be fully investigated. In particular, we use X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy and electrochemical measurements and we often use central facilities, such as the Diamond Light Source and the ISIS Neutron and Muon facility.

The successful applicant should have at least a 2:1 Honours degree in the UK/EU, or equivalent qualification, in chemistry, materials science or a closely related subject. The candidate should be highly motivated. Previous experience with diffraction would be an advantage, though not a necessity.

Any interested potential candidates are more than welcome to get in touch with Dr. Serena Corr (serena.corr@glasgow.ac.uk) to find out more about the project. Also, please check out our webpage to see more about the research we are doing on functional nanomaterials (https://corrgroupglasgow.wordpress.com/)